Hives from stress and anxiety: what to know

Hives are raised, itchy patches that may appear suddenly and change location. Emotional strain, poor sleep, sweating, or rubbing the skin can add to the flare, but a new outbreak can also have another trigger. Hives are a presentation of urticaria, and deeper swelling around the lips, eyelids, tongue, hands, or feet may be angioedema. See [Hives](/conditions/urticaria/) for the condition overview and [Itchy Skin](/symptoms/itchy-skin/) for symptom context.

Move to a cool, quiet setting and use a cool compress rather than scratching. Wear loose clothing, avoid hot showers and alcohol if they worsen symptoms, and record what happened before each episode. A clinician or pharmacist can discuss an oral antihistamine treatment such as [Antihistamine Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-antihistamine-therapy/). Do not stop a prescribed medicine or start a sedating product without advice.

Get emergency help for trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness, or swelling of the tongue or throat. Prompt assessment is also needed when widespread swelling accompanies the rash, symptoms follow a new medicine, or the eruption keeps returning. A clinician can distinguish hives from other causes of a [Skin Rash](/symptoms/skin-rash/) and choose treatment.

Could this be urticaria or another rash? Which stress, heat, food, or medicine patterns should I record? Is an antihistamine suitable for me, and what symptoms mean I should seek emergency help?